Before you can put a motorcycle back together, you have to know what you have. For years the parts for this CL175 lived in bins. For this episode we pulled every piece out and spread it across a checkerboard table in the garage, so you can see exactly where the project stands.
The Big Pieces
Gas tank and fenders. The sheet metal survived decades in the pasture better than you would expect. No road salt, just weather.
Front forks. These will need attention, and you will see why in the next episodes.
Engine. The top end is already rebuilt. Both cylinders were bored first oversize with new pistons and rings, so it is fresh and ready to go back in the frame.
Rear shocks, handlebars, and exhaust.
Seat and center stand. The center stand was hiding under the seat.
A 55-Year-Old Surprise
The original factory fork boots are still pliable and not even cracked. That is rubber from 1971, more than 55 years old. We may reuse them, or we may replace them. Either way, I was impressed.
The Rest of the Table
Brake pedal and chain guard
Front sprocket cover
Rear fender and tail light assembly
Headlight ring, speedometer, and turn signals
Ignition coil
Kickstand and its bracket
Key holder
Two airboxes. The CL175 is a parallel twin, and each cylinder gets its own.
Frame pieces and what I believe are the motor mounts
Seals, and lots and lots of sandwich bags of small parts and hardware
The One That Needs Help
One of the front foot pegs is badly bent. It is supposed to be straight, and I am fairly sure I am the one who bent it. We will either find a good used one or build a new one.
Where This Goes Next
With everything out in the open, the work starts at the front of the bike: the steering head, bearings, and upper triple clamp.
Previous: Ep. 1: Restoring a 1971 Honda CL175, The Family Motorcycle That Came Home
Next: Ep. 3: Steering Head Bearings and Upper Triple Clamp on a 1971 Honda CL175
